Protesters watch teardown of Occupy Cleveland tent

Published: May 3, 2012 8:30AM

CLEVELAND (AP) -- City workers have torn down the tent used by Occupy Cleveland protesters in Public Square since October.

Media outlets report half a dozen protesters and several police officers quietly watched as the encampment was dismantled early Thursday. Occupy participant Jacob Darling tells The Plain Dealer the group refused to help take down the tent but decided not to interfere.

The city had declined to renew the group's permit. Officials say the decision wasn't related to a bridge bomb plot linked this week to suspects who participated in Occupy Cleveland events.

The organization has said the five men arrested in the plot didn't represent Occupy Cleveland and weren't acting on its behalf.

City officials say Occupy Cleveland participants still can gather across the street from the tent site, day or night.